RAF, Fuller discuss ways to protect remote airportsRecreational Aviation Foundation President John McKenna and Director Tim Clifford joined AOPA President Craig Fuller to talk about ways to protect remote airstrips. The meeting came on the day that Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe signed a new recreational-use statute, which provides liability protection to landowners who allow their property to be used for certain recreational activities, providing that they don't charge access fees. AOPA Online
(2/13)

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Aviation Update

Sebring makes January more funThe Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo held in central Florida acts as the season opener, attracting huge numbers of recreational aircraft and their pilots, writes blogger Dan Johnson. This year's show featured a lot of aircraft never seen at the show: Golden Avio's F30, the modestly-priced Groppo Trial, an amphibian gyrocopter and a Tecnam P2008. General Aviation News
(2/10)

Cessna leads LSA fleet in slow recoveryAccording to a report by light sport aircraft advocate Dan Johnson, the light sport aircraft sector showed positive, though modest, numbers in 2012. Cessna's Skycatcher led the fleet with 94 new registrations followed by CubCrafters with 48 new registrations. AVweb
(2/13)

FAA moves into second stage of airport studyThe Federal Aviation Administration is committed to gathering more information for its study "General Aviation Airports: A National Asset," which it says will help the agency to make more informed planning decisions. Some 2,950 airports are included in the study, but about 500 of them do not fit into one of four categories; the FAA will now look at further classification. AVweb
(2/13)

Expansion advocates don't have Mich. airport's best interest in mindPilot and guest columnist Michael Petraszko says that those advocating expansion of Ann Arbor Municipal Airport in Michigan have neither the airport's nor the community's best interest at heart. "Very powerful individuals are obviously behind the expansion project for this city subsidized and financially struggling airport because someone at City Hall was still able to place runway expansion funds back onto the AA Capital Improvement Plan," he writes. AnnArbor.com (Mich.)
(2/14)

Armless pilot to join Handicap International in EthiopiaThough she has no arms, Jessica Cox has a black belt in taekwondo, is an avid rock climber and got her pilot's license in 2008, flying an airplane without rudder pedals, an Ercoupe 415C Taekwondo. Now she is off to Ethiopia with Handicap International where she hopes to inspire children with disabilities to reach new heights. Flying online
(2/12)

Training News

La. community college set to launch airplane mechanic programA new airplane mechanic program is set to launch at Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana this fall. The program was expected to be open two years ago, but it is still being reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration. "We are just waiting for them to get around to us," said Mark Peeples, the program's director. "It's always frustrating, but it's just one of those things." The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)
(2/13)

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AOPA News

Today is deadline to nominate your favorite in the aircraft challengeIn the spirit of the NCAA's March Madness, AOPA is giving 64 aircraft a shot at the title of "best aircraft" in the second annual Best Aircraft Showdown bracket. No money, no prizes -- the aircraft are competing. The association is accepting nominations from Feb. 1 through Feb. 14. The challenge is sponsored by AOPA strategic partner Aero-Space Reports. AOPA Online.

AOPA job of the day: Credit analystA strong interest in finance and general aviation is essential, and reports to the aviation finance general manager. Duties include: perform initial credit, underwriting and financial analyses of aircraft loans ensuring compliance with appropriate company and financial partners' standards; examine overall loan documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness; consult with our members about their current and future aircraft needs; establishes an ongoing relationship with members through the delivery of exceptional customer service; sells additional services by recognizing opportunities to up-sell members and assists members through the loan process from application to closing by clarifying issues, researching and exploring answers and alternative solutions, implementing solutions, and escalating unresolved problems. Read more here.

With a membership base of more than 400,000, AOPA is the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. AOPA has achieved its prominent position
through effective advocacy, enlightened leadership, technical competence, and hard work. Providing member services that range from representation at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services,
advice, and other assistance, AOPA has built a service organization that far exceeds any other in the aviation community.